“Between 1990 and 2016, the world lost 1.3 million square kilometres of forest, an area larger than South Africa.” This decline in forest abundance is caused by both natural and human-induced impacts.

 

Overview.

Deforestation is the clearing of forests. In recent years, forests have been cleared for a number of reasons, most commonly for population shifts and utilisation of the land and its resources.

It has greatly altered the land in terms of soil, air quality, and growth. Today the main impacts are infrastructure, agriculture, logging, fires, and plantations. Deforestation also accelerates global warming due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. It not only threatens the world’s biodiversity but the future of forests is uncertain.

While deforestation can be permanent, this is not always the case. There are numerous ways we can help to decrease human impacts on forests. By recycling timber and paper products, buying sustainably and supporting organisations that fight against deforestation, as a society we can lessen the harm inflicted on forests.

My project aims to raise awareness and provide information on how you can help fight against deforestation.

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Main Causes.

  • Agriculture

    The need for increased recreational and residential areas is due to an increasing population and a shift to urbanisation living. This is one cause of deforestation, however, agricultural farms like wheat and livestock need space. Once a forest is lost to agriculture, it is almost impossible to restore.

  • Logging

    Relates to the process of harvesting, transporting, and processing timber which may be legal or illegal in some circumstances. It exists due to increasing demand for wood, furniture, plantations, and paper products. It destroys habitats, impacts climate change, and decreases air quality.

  • Fires

    Fires can be natural or man-made which are problematic and in some situations can be very severe. Millions of acres are lost each year to fires, they often clear the land wiping out wildlife, habitats, and trees. The ban on ‘back burning’ has increased the severity and extent of forest fires and their ability to recover.

How You Can Help.

  • Almost all products utilise resources from the forest. When buying timber products, such as furniture, making sure the wood is sourced from sustainable practices is essential. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo is a non-for-profit organisation that promotes the responsible management for forests. Being aware of sustainable practices helps us to lessen our impact on deforestation due to buying sustainably.

    If you are looking to purchase wooden furniture which is high-quality, long-lasting, and made sustainably, make sure to support businesses that consider the environment when manufacturing. Check some options out below:

    Well-known businesses: West Elm, Sabai, Medley, Emeco

    Second-hand/reclaimed furniture: Etsy Reclaimed Furniture, Utopia Home, Facebook Marketplace - New/Used Furniture

    Local, Australian brands: Koala, Plyroom, Koskela, Yard Furniture

  • There are a variety of non-for-profit organisations that both educates and helps raise awareness for environmental concerns, especially issues like deforestation. You can donate to support the cause as well as undertake individual research to understand more about other environmental issues. Some of the most common educational non-profit websites are below:

    Check them out at WWF, National Geographic, and The Australian Conservation Foundation.